Tommie club volleyball previews its tournament schedule during practice on Nov. 18, 2024. (Evan Neubauer/The Crest) 
Bella Halcomb, Cece Spanton and Paige Turner lined up for a team drill. (Evan Neubauer/The Crest) 
Kyra Schoenfelder encourages her teammate as they change lines. (Evan Neubauer/The Crest) 
Alyssa Isackson and Claire Lammer rested between drills. (Evan Neubauer/The Crest) 
Junior Natalie Ernhart practices her serve during practice. (Evan Neubauer/The Crest)
St. Thomas women’s club volleyball has been hard at work preparing for its trip this April to Phoenix, Arizona to compete at nationals.
The club is comprised of two individual teams that compete year-round. While there are only three tournaments in the fall season, the spring brings time for the team to complete the goals they have set.
“This fall season is mainly about building player connections and chemistry,” club president and defensive specialist Halle Runez said. “Going into our busy spring schedule, we anticipate great competition within the league we are in, Wisconsin Volleyball Conference.”
Women’s club volleyball has been to two national championships, both in Kansas City. Last year, its Purple team won for Division II, the first nationals title for either of the two teams.
Runez said that the team’s goal is to win another national championship, and that everyone puts effort into making that dream a reality. Many of their members are returners, allowing for a familiar team chemistry, and Runez said that the new members bring great talent, as well. Around 50 people tried out for the team with only 20 on the current roster, creating a competitive environment.
“Our teamwork and leadership are great this year, and I am very excited to see how these two teams compete in our regular spring season and at nationals,” club treasurer and middle blocker Carley Saeger said.
Saeger said that practices have been fun and that the team is working hard towards their April goal.
“Every year is always different as players come and go, but our mission stays the same. It is a great space to continue to play competitive volleyball in college while balancing course loads and is such a fun environment,” Saeger said.
One way the team is working toward their goals is by raising money for nationals. This is the first year they have done restaurant fundraisers, starting with two this fall—one at the Davanni’s near campus on Nov. 4, and another at the Chipotle on Ford Parkway on Nov. 17.
“We have never done a fundraiser like this in the past, so it was good to try something new,” Saeger, the coordinator for the events, said.
The fundraisers donated 20% of sales to the club, meant to cover the cost of travel, hotels and more, which can range from $10,000 to $20,000. Both teams will be in Phoenix for four days, three of which are spent playing three or four full volleyball games each day.
Runez said that the nationals tournament is the highlight of the year for the club. The team works for it all season and their goals are mainly related to their success at the tournament. It is a bonding experience as well, as the participants get to meet many people and teams.
“I have met some of my closest friends at St. Thomas through club volleyball, and experiencing a core memory like nationals is something that I am very grateful for,” Runez said.
Bridget Schmid can be reached at schm1520@stthomas.edu.